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Mexican Birria
Alyssa

Mexican Birria Recipe

Craving something tasty? Try our birria recipe! It's a yummy Mexican stew that's perfect for any meal. Cook, share, and enjoy!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 Ancho Peppers: Imparts a mild sweet flavor and deep red color.
  • 5 Guajillo Peppers: Offers a tangy taste and vibrant hue.
  • 2-3 Chiles de Arbol optional: Adds a spicy kick.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables.
  • 1 large White Onion: Provides a sweet aromatic base.
  • 3 large Tomatoes: Contribute juiciness and acidity.
  • 5 cloves Garlic: Adds depth and pungency.
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Mexican Oregano: Infuses a distinct earthy flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Sea Salt: Enhances overall taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon: Introduces a warm sweet note.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin: Offers a smoky earthy element.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger: Adds a subtle spicy zing.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper: Gives a mild heat.
  • ½ cup Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances flavors with its tanginess.
  • 2 large Roasted Tomatoes: Deepens the sauce's richness.
  • 4 cups Beef Stock: Forms the stewing liquid enriching the meat's tenderness.
  • 3.5 pound Lamb Shoulder: The star ingredient chosen for its succulence.

Method
 

  1. Toast the Peppers: Begin by heating a pan and toasting the ancho, guajillo, and optional chiles de arbol until they darken, unlocking their flavors.
  2. Soak the Peppers: After toasting, steep the peppers in hot water to soften them, preparing for blending.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, cook onions and tomatoes, then add garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
  4. Blend the Sauce: Transfer the sautéed vegetables and softened peppers to a food processor, adding seasonings, vinegar, and beef stock to create the birria sauce.
  5. Marinate the Meat: Coat the lamb shoulder in the sauce, allowing it to marinate and absorb the flavors.
  6. Cook the Birria: Combine the marinated meat, additional roasted tomatoes, and beef stock in a pot, simmering until the meat is tender and flavorful.
  7. Serve: Enjoy the birria as a hearty stew or shred the meat for tacos, accompanied by the rich consome.

Notes

  • Dipping Tortillas: For birria tacos, dip the tortillas in the consome before grilling for extra flavor.
  • Roasting Vegetables: Roasting the tomatoes and garlic before blending can enhance the sauce's depth.
  • Layering Flavors: Build layers of flavor by toasting spices along with the peppers.